This lawsuit consists of hundreds of plaintiffs that have lived or worked for an extended period of time in close proximity to the 90-acre Bristol-Myers Squibb New Brunswick pharmaceutical plant (the “BMS Site”). See New Jersey Judiciary official website. The BMS Site has been an active pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing facility since it began operation in the early 1900’s. Since its inception, the BMS Site has been involved in the production of numerous pharmaceuticals and was, at various times, one of the world’s largest manufacturing sites for certain categories of popular pharmaceuticals (such as arsenic-based medications and antibiotics). This resulted in the generation of enormous amounts of pharmaceutical products, byproducts and wastes. These materials were released into the atmosphere, water and soil in and around the BMS Site, over the course of several decades.

BMS and its own remediation contractors have discovered numerous toxic and deadly compounds on the BMS Site, including various forms of volatile organic compounds, heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. The plaintiffs claim that such contamination has extended off of the BMS Site, through the air, soil, ground and surface water. The plaintiffs further contend that they have been exposed to the toxins from inhalation, ingestion and dermal exposure to the air, soil and water, laden with the toxins. As a result, many plaintiffs claim to have suffered grave injuries, including categories of cancers and diseases affecting the major organs and organ systems, related to such toxic exposure. Other plaintiffs claim to be subject to an unaddressed heightened risk of developing such conditions and/or have had their property damaged through years of accumulated contamination.